Golden festivity honors Neri
Celebrating a Golden Anniversary Filled withLove and Remembrances
Fifty years of love and commitment came to the forefront at the golden anniversary celebration of Ramon and Maria Aurora "Wawa" (Soriaga) Abejuela. This joyous event, held at the Ayala Alabang Community Center in Metro Manila, reflected half a century of shared experiences, laughter, and love, ricocheting through the ups and downs of life together.
Singlehandedly embodying the essence of their golden anniversary celebrations, Ramon and Maria Aurora had previously commemorated their silver wedding anniversary at Shangri-La's Mactan Island Resort and Spa as Cebu residents[1].
The joyous evening kicked off with a Holy Mass officiated by Cebuano Bishop Eugene Cañete, presenting a fitting introduction to the love and faith that permeated the event. The Abejuelas' youngest daughter, Marie Rose "Yoti," served as the lector, lending an intimate touch to the spiritual proceedings.
Dinner time saw me and my husband seated at the same table with one of the original wedding Ninangs, the graceful Mercedes Solon, the widow of former Cebu City mayor Florentino Solon. Accompanying her was her France-based son, Dr. Juan Antonio Solon, adding an international flair to our celebration[2]. The convivial roundtable also included Filomena Ngo Sy, original secondary sponsor with husband Edward, and Dee Zobel, the charming widow of Enrique Zobel, who had been Mon's boss at Ayala Corp[3].
For the program, the golden couple's eldest daughter, Marie Michelle, took on the role of emcee, flying in from Virginia, USA, where she worked as a doctor specializing in Internal Medicine. She called her sister Margret Christine "Jingcoy" onto the stage, who beautifully rendered a soulful number, leaving everyone spellbound.
A heartwarming picture of Tito Mon was painted by Daisy Salazar, as she reminisced about her Tito during his younger years and, more recently, with wife Wawa by his side. Wawa's sister Remedios "Tata" Soriaga shared that the union of Mon and Wawa had catalyzed a myriad of good works within their household, extended families, and even impoverished parishes[4].
The musical highlight of the celebration was the performance of National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab and his singers, who rocked the stage with their inspiring song choices and powerful performances. The video presentation of Mon and Wawa's journey through the years, lovingly prepared by Mon's nieces Angelica Umali Barros and Katrina Umali, proved to be a touching addition to the evening[5].
When it was Mon's turn to speak, he recounted their courtship and wedding days, regaling everyone with tales that warmed the heart. He expressed his gratitude to all the guests for gracing the occasion, making the evening more memorable.
A few days later, Ramon and Maria Aurora, along with their relatives (about 20) who had flown in from the USA for the golden anniversary event, took a brief respite at the beach, visited the Sto. Niño, indulged in sightseeing, went shopping, and ultimately, enjoyed an intimate dinner at the Summit Galleria, hosted by Gal and Tata (Soriaga) Jumao-as, promising a good time full of delicious food, engaging games, and enticing prizes[6]. It proved to be a blissful bonding experience for Mon, Wawa, and those close to their hearts.
- The Abejuelas' silver wedding anniversary was celebrated at Shangri-La's Mactan Island Resort and Spa in Cebu, marking their residence in the city at that time.
- The convivial roundtable during the golden anniversary dinner included several influential figures who had been associated with the Abejuelas' lives, such as Filomena Ngo Sy and Dee Zobel.
- Remedios "Tata" Soriaga shared that the union of Mon and Wawa had led to numerous acts of kindness and charity within their family and beyond, affecting even impoverished parishes.
